GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Wednesday mocked aspirants for the Delta Central Senatorial bye-election over their increasing number on a daily basis.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

The Governor, while speaking during the presentation of staff of office to the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, HRM Ogurimerime,, Ukorii 1 (JP) at Isiokolo in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, expressed surprise at the increasing number of aspirants for the seat of late Senator Pius Ewherido.

He said “Few days ago when I met with Chief Mike Omeru (now the new Agbon Monarch), I jokely asked him if he was not going to join the senatorial race, to become a senator and come back after his tenure to become the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom; but he said he prefer to be a King and I am here today to present him with staff of office.”

“But I am very concerned about the increasing number of aspirants for the senatorial race. It is like we are going to send all of them to the Senate and each of them will rotating the position on a monthly basis until 2015. I expected them to put their house in order. I have no anointed candidate for the position; the best that I can do as a Governor is to wish all of them the best of luck,” the Governor said.

He advised all the aspirants to discuss issues during their campaigns and not persons.

Meanwhile, Governor Uduaghan has ordered arrest of persons parading as traditional rulers without government recognition.

He gave the order at Isiokolo while presenting staff of office to the Ovie of Agbon Kingdoom, Ogurimerime, Ukori 1, where he frowned at situations whereby individuals ascribed kingship to themselves, especially at Otu-Jeremi and Oghara areas.

He said; “Except you are recognized by the State Government, you cannot be called a traditional ruler. There are many people calling themselves Kings when they are not and I have ordered the Police Commissioner to start arresting such impostors.”